KOTA KINABALU: Incidents of women going topless and tour bus operators ignoring the rules are affecting the image of the city's Tanjung Aru Beach, famed for its sunsets.
The issues were highlighted by Tanjung Aru Eco-Development Sdn Bhd (TAED) general manager Jake Jikulin Nointin amid the controversy by traders charging a rental of RM20 to use tables and chairs on the beach to watch the sunset.
“We seek the public’s cooperation by being respectful of our image and not going topless at the beach,” he said in a statement on Friday (Aug 30).
ALSO READ: Tg Aru 'sunset biz' is legit but public not obliged to pay, says management firm
He did not elaborate on the topless incidents but said these were among areas where cooperation from the public was needed to preserve the image of the city's iconic beach.
"TAED strives to provide a welcoming environment for all visitors (and) cannot tolerate behaviour that disrupts the public's enjoyment or damages public amenities," he said.
He said while there was free access to Tanjung Aru Beach and Prince Philip Park, visitors are still required to respect the space and other beachgoers.
Nointin said TAED was also disappointed by certain irresponsible tour bus operators who flouted the rules when using parking spaces at the beach and park.
ALSO READ: Unacceptable for hawkers to charge people for using chairs at Tanjung Aru beach, says assemblyman
"Some of them are refusing to use the designated parking areas to avoid paying the RM10 entrance fee and drop off their passengers by the roadside instead.
"This not only creates significant traffic congestion but also poses a safety hazard to pedestrians and other motorists," he said.
Nointin noted that large vehicles stopping by the roadside also contributed to increased road wear.
"The damage caused by these buses ultimately falls on TAED's shoulders through increased maintenance costs," he said.
As a result, Nointin said TAED may be forced to take tighter measures, including restricting the entry of large tour buses in the area.
